NEW DELHI: A new complex of Tihar jail comprising six new prison houses is coming in the capital to decongest the already crowded prison.

The complex, to be built at a cost of Rs 169 crore in Mandoli area, is one of three proposed jail sites of Tihar other than Narela and Baprola.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit will lay the foundation stone of the complex on Saturday, which will house six new jails, officials said adding it will become operational by 2010.

The new jail complex will house around 3,500 inmates to decongest the Tihar prison, which houses over 11,000 people than the sanctioned capacity of 6,250 prisoners, law officer of the prison, Sunil Gupta said.

"Extensive repair and renovation work is going on in all jails in Tihar. More new jails are being constructed in Delhi to decongest the existing prison population," he said.